Wow! The old thread has already had over 1,000 hits since we moved! I'm sure there are going to be a lot of people copying stuff out of there for awhile. As a source of information, there is nothing quite like it on the web.

We all did it together. It's so readable!!! Chris, I hope you will seriously guard that priceless treasure!

"If you want to understand the causes that existed in the past, look at the results as they are manifested in the present. And if you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present."

(The Opening of the Eyes - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 279) Selection source: Thoughts on the New Human Revolution, Seikyo Shimbun, January 14th, 2013

Instead of comparing ourselves with others
it's far better to focus on winning over ourselves!
Today, more than yesterday,
tomorrow, more than today,
it's important that each day of our lives is spent
polishing and developing ourselves.

"Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) grappled with the question of human selfishness, including his own, pondering the cause of people’s self-centeredness and estrangement from others. He later reached the conclusion: “They and I are one. Everyone alive now, or in the past or the future, are all one; they are all one with me. My life is dependent on theirs, and their lives dependent on mine.”[1] This became his guiding philosophy. His view of human life has much in common with Buddhism, which teaches that we remain linked to those in our lives throughout the three existences of past, present, and future, and that self and other are inseparable. It is important, therefore, for us to encourage each other and lead lives of great meaning and value by allowing the unsurpassed jewel of Buddhahood to shine forth brightly within us.

"When we help others shine, our lives shine, too. Dialogue enables us to appreciate our connection with others. The path of dialogue is the path of joy for both ourselves and others; it is the path of happiness."

SGI Newsletter No. 8523, To My Young Friends—Leaders of a New Age, [3] Bringing People Together—The Power of Human Ties—Part 3 [of 3], from the 29th March, 2012, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, translated 23rd May 2012

"Nichiren Buddhism teaches that the highest life-state of Buddhahood does not exist somewhere separate from us ordinary human beings or our daily reality, but within us. It teaches that we ourselves are Buddhas.

"Nichiren Daishonin likens the difficulty people have in believing this truth to the inability to see one’s own eyelashes because they are so close. In the same way that beautiful blossoms emerge from the rough-barked branches of the cherry tree, he says, we ordinary people can bring forth the life-state of Buddhahood from within our lives.[1]

"In short, it is the ultimate power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo that brings the supreme flower of life that is Buddhahood to bloom. This is an absolute and unfailing principle."

[1] The Daishonin writes: “We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts. . . . [It is like the way that] the graceful cherry blossoms come forth from trees” (WND-1, 1137).

When we sincerely talk with others
we naturally will begin to develop trust with them.
And when we chant daimoku for the happiness of our friends
and courageously take action for their well-being,
our own life condition will be elevated.
This is the way we will achieve kosen-rufu!

"Today, I would like to make a pledge together with all of you—a pledge to bring flowers of victory into full bloom in our lives.

"The life of each one of us is infinitely noble and filled with immeasurable potential. Nichiren Buddhism teaches that even a single day of life is more precious than all the treasures of the universe.

"Many scientists have described the human body itself as a universe of its own, with a staggering 60 trillion cells working together in exquisite harmony, constantly defending against threats from without. Our hearts beat approximately 100,000 times a day, pumping roughly eight tons of blood through our bodies. There is an astronomical network of 14 billion neurons in our cerebral cortex alone, with an unlimited power for growth and creativity. That is why it is said that the more we use our brains, the sharper they become."

"There is definitely something extraordinary in the ebb and flow of the tide, the rising and setting of the moon, and the way in which summer, autumn, winter, and spring give way to each other. Something uncommon also occurs when an ordinary person attains Buddhahood. At such a time, the three obstacles and four devils will invariably appear, and the wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat."

(The Three Obstacles and Four Devils - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 637) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, February 14th, 2013